TUESDAY TIDBITS: 'Future Lookin' Good at Last, Rough Times Are All in the Past"

By TJ Troup 

Years ago in discussion with John Turney, the philosophy of what could, and would be accomplished here at the Journal led us to who would write the stories? My bias is going to show, yet feel very, VERY strongly that with distinguished historians/writers such as Chris Willis, and Eric Goska you folks would be in for a treat. 

Recently Mr. Clark Judge has joined our ranks, and his weekly column is not only terrific but dovetails into aspects of mine. The Journal has had some guest writers, and that also will continue. Are we ready to roll? Ok, let's get to it.

Saw that Myles Garrett is now the all-time leading sack man for the Browns with 62½ and while Garrett is an outstanding pass rusher, almost painful for him to be listed first over Len Ford. Ouch, and no doubt Mr. Nick Webster cringed when he read that stat. 

Matt Stafford has thrown 29 "pick sixes" in his career to tie Marino for the most since 1950, but there is a passer who threw more. Alright folks, want to venture a guess who that passer is, and how many? 

Clark Judge mentioned Greg Olsen's comment from the Jets vs. Packers game in setting the defensive edge. Any defensive coordinator worth a damn understands this aspect, and in my era, we called setting the edge----"FORCE", and the pursuit by the other defenders "FILL". 

Greg Olsen sure got my attention with his astute comment. Listening to non-stop motor mouth Tony Romo state during the Bills vs. Chiefs..."the evolution of the quarterback and the hot route". Geez, Romo, the hot call was done in 1957 by a youngster in Baltimore named Unitas, and have the film to back up my statement. 

Tony Romo may have played quarterback, but how much vintage film of the great quarterbacks has he watched? Last night watched the Monday night game, and nary a mention of Alex Singleton, who covered ground and was textbook on many of his 19 solo or lead tackles. Will sure keep an eye on him the rest of the season. 

While Herbert completed a ton of short passes; out of 57 attempts, he completed one toss for over 20 yards. Justin was the poster boy for taking what the defense gives you. 

 Lately have been listening to Bob Seger, and since both the Giants & Jets are off to strong starts....the title of this saga. How many of you predicted that the Seattle Seahawks would be tied for first place after six weeks? Come on now, be honest...I believed they would be buried in last place far behind the 49ers and Rams. 

The Seahawks are the subject of our journey back in history today. October 16th, 1977 Seattle beat the Buccaneers at home to extend Tampa Bay's winless streak to eighteen. Quarterback Steve Myer throws four touchdown passes in the game (six in his career)in the 30-23 victory. Future Hall of Famer receiver Steve Largent catches two touchdown passes in the first half, to build a 17-13 lead. 

Ahead 24-23 in the 4th quarter Myer flips a pass to Sherman Smith for 44 yards (151 rushing and receiving in the game)and a touchdown. Twenty-eight years later the Seahawks beat the Houston Texans as Alexander and Morris gain 245 yards rushing (320 as a team). The duo gained 81 yards in the first half on thirteen carries, and 164 in the second half on seventeen attempts. 

The reason for their success can be traced to the left-side duo of Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson. These two men would rank in everyone's top guard/tackle duos in league history. Rather than have me state their attributes—thought that Mr. John Turney's opinion would fit nicely to end this story. 

Turney states that Jones was "light on his feet, outside of Anthony Munoz, the best pass protector ever, in my opinion", while Hutchinson "was the master of the trap, the long trap. A powerful drive blocker. Not as good on the pass, and sometimes would over-extend, but even the greats like John Hannah would do that on occasion. Like Walter Jones a freak athlete for his position". Seattle had an eight-game win streak during 1984, but in 2005, the Seahawks would win 11 in a row.